What do a high school student, an unemployed adult and an ex-convict have in common?
Well, none of them is doomed to be stuck in dead-end, underpaying jobs. They all have the opportunity to make a good living to support their families, thanks to a program by the Indiana chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. (ABC).
Two training programs, one for high school students and another for any adult high school graduate, are offered by ABC to help individuals get a high demand, decent-paying career in a construction related field.
This, advocates say, can help reduce the alarmingly high unemployment rate (15 percent nationally, over 20 percent locally) among African-American men.
“Many people still don’t know about ABC, so it has been one of the best kept secrets in town,” said Claude Street, who serves as ABC’s community liaison and oversees its construction prep academy.
Street noted that not everyone may have the desire to pursue a traditional college degree or go into the military, and in years past, those individuals could get a factory job. Today, however, factory jobs are not as plentiful, but there is still high demand for workers in construction related fields.
“What we’re trying to do is let people in all parts of the local community know here is another opportunity to make a good living for your family,” Street said.
ABC has an apprenticeship program for high school students that begins at age 16. Students can receive a scholarship and undergo a course of study which includes academics, work-site learning and work experience, all prior to graduation.
Students who complete the course will receive assistance with job placement, can enter a standard apprenticeship program or go to a community college with credits toward an associate’s degree from Vincennes University.
ABC has been reaching out to local high schools, especially in the Indianapolis Public Schools district, to make guidance counselors and students aware of its opportunities.
Under ABC’s standard apprenticeship program, those with a high school diploma can work while learning the skills needed to advance in a construction related trade. Many of the participants are already with an ABC affiliated company that pays for their training.
Each week, apprentices study at ABC’s facility on East Shadeland Avenue, a former skating rink converted into a warehouse stocked with materials and projects started by various classes.
Students not only learn practical application of a craft, but also the latest techniques and technology.
Although African-Americans make up more than a quarter of the population in the Indianapolis metropolitan area, they are often underrepresented among carpenters, electricians, estimators, HVAC (heating and cooling system) mechanics, insulators, masons pipe fitters, plumbers, project managers, roofers and sheet metal workers.
In terms of pay, those positions can range anywhere from $45,000 to $73,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
J.R. Gaylor, president and CEO of ABC of Indiana, noted that there are great opportunities in construction, which is the second largest field of employment after government service. In recent years, he added, many employees have left the industry for various reasons, including retirement, and will need to be replaced by new workers.
“When the economy comes roaring back over the next couple of years, there will be an extra need for skilled people, and if they’re not available we will have a real shortage,” Gaylor said. “Our program helps mitigate that.”
Gaylor admitted that until recently, the construction industry had not done a good job of recruiting minorities for its trades, which offer a lifetime of stability.
“That is why we want to make sure people in the community are connected to opportunities in an industry that is huge,” Gaylor added.
Leandrew Jones was unemployed when he first became involved with ABC’s Second Chance program, and began as a helper. Now he is a construction supervisor.
“Once you learn the basics in the program, companies affiliated with ABC offer an interview on the spot, which is good if you have a record of some kind or you’re having trouble getting into the industry,” said Jones, who is African-American. “The program really breaks down the barriers.”
In addition to training workers, ABC has also served the community through outreach programs. Recently, it partnered with the United Northeast Community Development Corp. to assist senior residents by checking, cleaning and replacing filters in furnaces at no charge.
“It’s a really awesome program,” said Robert Kemp, an ABC instructor who overcome a felony and started a career as an HVAC technician, which he has had for over 20 years. “Not only does it help build a career, but you can give back, which feels good.”
For more information, visit abc-indy.org or call (317) 596-4950.
